The Bully Review

Recently, we went to see  The Bully, a hilarious, well-written and totally relevant musical for our household. The Bully  tells the story of a bus mix-up stranding Lenny, the nerd, and Steve, the bully, at the wrong school where they both get picked on for being “the new kids.” The boys have to work together to get back to their school and begin to learn that they might not be so different after all.

To say that we loved the show, the characters, the music and the topic is an understatement. From the opening gym scene to the happy ending, The Bully was a joy. Of course, from the title, you obviously expect the show to be about a “Bully”  but the play is so much more. What I thought were two  ”aha” teachable moments were that everyone can be a bully, even the nerd who gets picked on  and that bullies don’t have to be the biggest kid in school, they can look as demure as a little girl.

My daughter and her friend both loved the show and thought it was truly funny, especially when one of the male actors dressed like the teacher. That said, as eight year olds dealing with bullies at school, they “got” the message of  the play.

My daughter, her friend and both us, parents all recommend the show  to any parent of a grade school kid. After the show, we had a great conversation about the show, the message and thinking differently about bullies. That said, I do think it is appropriate for pre-schoolers, they may not get the entire message but it still works to teach them to be nice and what is a bully.

With The Bully Actress Hilary Fingerman Who Stars at Meg

A note about the theatre, it is a small theatre so there is no bad seat in the house and of course, what I love about the plays at the Vital Theatre is that the kids get to meet the actors after the play and get their autographs. Such an added bonus for young theatre goers.

With The Bully Actors Riley Thomas (Steve) and Cameron Perry (Leonard)

The Bully
Dates: Now through February  26, 2012, Saturdays and Sundays at 11am and 1pm
Holiday Performances: February 20th, 21st, 22nd and 23rd at 11am and 1pm
Location: Vital Theatre, 2162 Broadway, 4th Floor on the North East Corner of 76th Street and Broadway (The McGinn/Cazale Theatre).
Ages: Ages 4-12
Tickets: $25 for regular seats and $30 for premium seats.
For reservations: visit www.vitaltheatre.org or call (212) 579-0528.

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Category: Entertainment, Events/Entertainment/Dining, Performances